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Russia To Award WWII Arctic Convoy Veterans


The Russian Embassy in Britain will honor 30 World War II veterans on October 3 for their part in transporting crucial supplies to Russia.

The BBC reports the medals will be presented to the men of the Arctic Convoys during a ceremony in Southampton.

A similar ceremony took place at the Russian embassy on September 30 for 53 veterans.

The Ushakov medal is awarded to sailors who have displayed courage in the course of defending Russia or its interests.

Between 1941 and 1945, 78 Allied Arctic convoys brought more than 4 million tons of provisions and munitions to the U.S.S.R.

More than 1,400 merchant ships and naval vessels participated in the convoys to the Russian arctic ports of Arkhangelsk and Murmansk, braving harsh weather conditions and German attacks.

More than 3,000 lives were lost by the time the war ended.

Based on reporting by the BBC

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